Bolinsky Supports Expanded Coverage for Breast Cancer Coverage

HARTFORD- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) co-sponsored and supported legislation expanding a law to cover diagnostic breast cancer testing, as well as other important related coverages for those insured by either Individual or Group Health Insurance plans.

Rep. Bolinsky, said, “Early detection is essential to beating this cancer and, to this day, patients often delay diagnostic screening because their insurance either does not cover it or, charges large out-of-pocket deductibles.  This makes no sense, considering prevention is the most humane and cost-effective course of treatment.  This bill will save lives and money by extending access to early-stage detection.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 358, An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage for Breast Health Benefits expands insurance coverage requirements for mammograms, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) for breast screenings under certain commercial health insurance policies.

The bill also requires the policies to cover certain procedures related to breast cancer treatment, including breast biopsies; certain prophylactic mastectomies; and breast reconstruction surgery, subject to certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill requires these health insurance policies to cover the following services related to the testing and treatment of ovarian cancer: require insurance coverage for ovarian cancer screening and treatment, including coverage for genetic testing for insureds with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, routine screenings, CA-125 monitoring subsequent to treatment, and genetic testing of BRCA1, BRCA2 and other gene variants that increase an insured’s risk for breast, ovarian, or other gynecological cancer.